MLB Power Rankings: 1 New Year’s Resolution for all 30 teams

5) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers should resolve to win the World Series

Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers need to win the World Series this year. They don’t have any other New Year’s Resolution. Through their current reign as one of the best teams in baseball, they’ve only one once and it came in the shortened 2020 season. It’s a legitimate championship, however, winning one after a grueling 162-game schedule feels like a bigger reward.

4) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros should resolve to repeat as World Series Champions

The only other team on this list whose New Year’s Resolution must include a World Series win, it’s the goal of the defending champion Houston Astros. They should be an early favorite to do it. At the very least, we can count on them to represent the American League. The loss of Justin Verlander will be felt. They have more than enough good players to find other ways to win.

3) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees should resolve to beat the Houston Astros in the playoffs

It’s not a World Series or bust season for the New York Yankees. Instead, if they do meet with the Astros in the postseason, they need to come away as the victors. Yankees vs. Astros playoff series always have one result. Houston wins. The Yankees would secretly like to dodge them altogether in the postseason. The resolution is to face them head-on in the ALCS and win it.

2) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres should resolve to win the NL West

For all of the money the San Diego Padres have spent, their New Year’s Resolution needs to have them winning the National League East. It’s not the ultimate goal. Dethroning the Dodgers from the division would have a similar satisfaction. Fortunately for the Padres, even if Manny Machado does opt out after this season, they’re well-positioned to compete for more years to come. Start now by taking the division away.

1) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals should resolve to make a World Series trip

The St. Louis Cardinals cannot waste another year of Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado together. This is a World Series appearance or bust campaign for them. On one hand, we can understand reluctance to trade away young players for veterans. On the other, many of them may never be anything special. Before Goldschmidt and Arenado decline and four of their starters hit free agency, the Cardinals need to at least represent the National League in the World Series. Winning it would be the bonus.